c.1950s Unbranded (Harmony) Archtop Blonde US Made

c.1950s Unbranded (Harmony) Archtop Blonde US Made

This Item Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks

The Guitar Is In Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)

No Signs Of Brands, Labels, etc.

Very Likely To Have Been Made By The Harmony Company In Chicago In The 1950s

Guitar Shows Slight Playwear Throughout Including Marks, Dings And Scratches (As Shown) 

Binding Shows Some Discoloration (As Shown)

Floating Bridge

Period Correct, Probably Original, Tuners

Cosmetic Hairline Crack Near Low E-String Tuner (See Photos)

Heel Shows Some Slight Separation, But Is Stable (As Shown)

Non-Original Pickguard

Neck Appears To Have Been Refinished (See Photos)

Weight: 3lbs 15.8oz

Nut Width: 1.74"

Neck Depth At 1st Fret: .91"

Neck Depth At 12th Fret: 1.01"

Comes Without A Case, Please Inquire To Purchase A Case/Gig Bag

Archtop guitars emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the need for louder, more articulate instruments in jazz and dance band settings. Characterized by their curved tops and backs, f-shaped sound holes, and floating bridges, archtops offered better projection and a more focused tone than traditional flat-top guitars. While Orville Gibson was an early innovator, many independent luthiers and companies—such as Epiphone, D'Angelico, and Stromberg—also played key roles in the development of the archtop. These instruments became especially popular in the 1930s and 1940s, shaping the sound of swing and jazz. As amplification advanced, electric archtops further expanded their versatility, securing their place in genres ranging from jazz to rockabilly. Harmony Guitars was founded in 1892 in Chicago by Wilhelm Schultz and became one of the largest American guitar manufacturers of the 20th century. Initially producing ukuleles and banjos, Harmony shifted toward guitars as demand grew during the early 1900s. In the 1940s through the 1970s, Harmony became widely known for affordable, mass-produced instruments sold through major retailers like Sears (often under the Silvertone and Stella brands). These guitars were popular among beginners and blues musicians for their distinctive tone and accessibility. Production declined in the late 1970s due to competition from overseas manufacturers, and the company ceased operations in 1975.